Shanhaiguan-Shanhai Pass, the First Pass under Heaven

Shanhaiguan, located in Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, is the starting point of the eastern end of the Ming Great Wall. Because it is built on the road leading to Beijing, it is known as the strategic hub connecting North China and Northeast China and is also known as the First Pass under Heaven.

Quick Facts About Shanhaiguan

• Name in Chinese: Shān hǎi guān 山海关
• Opening Hours: 7:00–17:30 from April to November; 7:30–17:00 from December to March
• Ticket Price: RMB 50 for adults; RMB 25 for students
• Location: Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province

Where is Shanhaiguan

Shanhaiguan is located more than 15 kilometers to the east of Qinhuangdao City, Hebei Province, and serves as the vital passage connecting northeast and north China. It borders Liaoning Province to the east and adjoins the downtown area of Qinhuangdao City to the west. To the south lies the Bohai Sea, and to the north stands the Yanshan Mountains, boasting beautiful natural scenery.

Which Dynasty Built the Shanhaiguan

Shanhaiguan was built under the supervision of Xu Da, an outstanding military general in the Ming Dynasty. In addition, Shanhaiguan has undergone renovations and expansions, with General Qi Jiguang as the main person in charge. These renovation works have made Shanhaiguan even more magnificent and spectacular and also consolidated its position in border defense.

Highlights of Shanhaiguan

The First Pass Under Heaven

There is a tower built on the Great Wall at the east gate of Shanhaiguan, which is called the First Pass Under Heaven. There is a 5-meter plaque on the tower with five Chinese characters "天下第一关".

Laolongtou

The Laolongtou is the lowest part of all the Great Wall sections in terms of altitude. It is the easternmost section of the Ming Great Wall that extends into the sea, and it is also the only military defense system in the Great Wall that integrates mountains, seas, passes, and cities.

Jiaoshan Great Wall

Start early to climb the Jiaoshan Great Wall, which is built on Mount Jiaoshan. Mount Jiaoshan is the first peak at the easternmost end of the Great Wall, known as the First Mountain of the Great Wall.

Structure of Shanhaiguan

The Shanhaiguan, which is 14 meters high, 7 meters thick, and 4 kilometers in circumference, is in the shape of a square. The whole set of city towers is connected with the Great Wall.

There are 4 gates in the city tower, the east gate is called Zhen Dong Gate, the west gate is called Ying En Gate, the south gate is called Wang Yang Gate, and the north gate is called Wei Yuan Gate, among which the east gate is the most well-preserved.

Best Time to Visit Shanhaiguan

You can visit Qinhuangdao at any time of the year. From June to September, the climate is pleasant and the sea water is warm, making it ideal for seaside holidays. From March to May and October to November, the weather is cool and it's the off-season for tourism, allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy the peaceful seaside atmosphere.

The best time to visit the Great Wall of China may be helpful to you.

How to Get to Shanhaiguan (from Beijing or Qinhuangdao)

You can take the train to Shanhaiguan Railway Station first, and then take a bus to the scenic spot.

Beijing to Shanhaiguan: there are 5 high-speed trains departing from Beijing Railway Station to Shanhaiguan every day, taking about 2 hours.

Qinhuangdao to Shanhaiguan: there are 30 high-speed trains departing from Qinhuangdao Railway Station to Shanhaiguan every day, taking about 15 minutes.

Shanhaiguan Railway Station to the First Pass Under Heaven: bus 13, 25 with the price of CNY 2 and spending 20 minutes.

Shanhaiguan Railway Station to Laolongtou: bus 25 with the price of CNY 2 and spending 40 minutes.

The First Pass Under Heaven to the Laolongtou: bus 25 with the price of CNY 2 and spending 34 minutes.

Note: the time and price mentioned above are for reference only.

Tips for Travel in Shanhaiguan

The scenic spots in Shanhaiguan Ancient City are relatively scattered. If you don't want to walk, you can take the sightseeing bus, which costs 10 yuan.

In the morning, visit the Lao Longtou scenic area, have lunch in the ancient city, and spend the afternoon wandering around the ancient city. After that, you can enjoy the movie show in the ancient city at night, which starts at 8:30 p.m. and lasts for about 15 minutes.

By purchasing the scenic area combo ticket, you can take the free bus from Laolongtou scenic spot to the First Pass Under Heaven.

Departure time for the First Pass: 9:00, 11:00, 14:00

Departure time for Laolongtou: 10:00, 12:00, 15:00

Plan a Shanhaiguan Tour

Shanhaiguan is more than 300 kilometers away from Beijing, and there is no direct bus from downtown Beijing to Shanhai Pass. Therefore, you need to take several modes of transportation to get to Shanhai Pass from Beijing. However, the customized itinerary provided by Chinatravel will make your journey worry-free.

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